Fungus is one of the most common diseases which affect trees. Tree fungus identification will help you identify the right type of fungus on trees.

Tree fungus identification includes not only taking a good look at the fungus, but also taking a look at the surrounding habitat. The growth of fungi is intricately linked to its surroundings. If it doesn't find an ideal growing conditions, it won't be able to grow. Fungus were thought to be a group of plants, which lacked chlorophyll, but today, they are classified as a separate category of living things. They are small structures with a short stem and a cap at the top, just like a mushroom. They are parasitic organisms as they suck food matter from their host and in turn the host becomes diseased. Some of the most common types of tree fungus include honey, beefsteak, and tinder fungus, as well as dwarf benches and puffballs.

Tree Fungal Diseases

Plant diseases caused by fungi can be divided into four categories:

1. Butt and root rot diseases: It is one of the most common fungal diseases. Initially, it infects the roots, and then, it spreads to other part of the plant body. The roots decay, which later on spreads to the trunk and the branches. By the time you come to know that your plant is affected, it is too late, as the plants rot from within.
2. Canker diseases: If any part of a tree is injured, be it the branches or the trunk, there are chances that fungus may enter the plant causing canker disease. Initially, it infects the bark tissue, which results in the barks becoming discolored or sunken. Usually, canker infection starts from the branches and if that's the case, pruning can become an important option to prevent this disease.
3. Shoot or foliar diseases: The shoot or foliar disease is one of the most common tree disease caused by fungus. The most common symptom which can be seen include appearance of small spots or large blotches on the leaves and shoots. The impact can range from slight infection to the death of the plant.
4. Vascular diseases: In case of vascular wilts, the plant dies very soon as the fungus attacks the vascular system of the plant, thereby destroying the routes which transport nutrients and water.

Identifying Tree Fungus

To identify the exact fungus, which affects your plant, you need to know the most common tree fungus types, which infect plants. The different types of fungi have certain characteristics with the help which you can identify them. The most common types include:

Honey Fungus

It grows on the wood of trees in small tufts and clumps. Its cap is yellowish-brown in color and whenever moist, it's sticky to touch. Their shape ranges from convex to conical with a depression at the center, and the space depends on the age of the fungus. There may or may not be rings on the stems and have white spore prints.

Beefsteak Fungus

It looks like a tongue and is reddish-brown in color with a rough surface. The underside is creamy-white in color and is filled with minute pores. When cut, a dull red juice comes out and the flesh looks like meat. This type is very common in sweet chestnut and oak, and usually appears in August.

Tinder Fungus
Also called horse's hoof fungus, the tinder fungus is mostly found on birch and beech trees. It can be used to fight fire, as it can smolder for many hours. This type of fungi are hard and resilient, and they can stay alive a pretty long time. They may also develop multicolored circles and rings.

Treatment

Tree fungus diseases can't be treated and cured, and so, as an essential part of gardening, it's necessary to prevent it from developing. The best defense against fungus development is maintaining a healthy tree. For that, you need to select a proper site for growing trees. Moreover, you need to apply fertilizer at regular intervals and regulate the amount of water supply, especially during the wet season. There are several fungicides available in the market, but they only help in preventing the growth of fungi.

This was a brief idea of tree fungus identification, but there are several other types of fungus, which may affect your plants. Consult an arborist whenever you find something wrong with your plants. Maintain a proper surrounding, free of dead leaves and branches so that fungus don't have the environment to develop.